Asian antipiracy program given September start date

Asian antipiracy program given September start date    An initiative for antipiracy cooperation amongst Asian nations will come into force Sept. 4 after it achieved the required number of ratifications from member countries.
   To date, 11 Asian countries have ratified the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP): Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka. Brunei has also signed the agreement and is in the process of ratification.
   A key aspect of ReCAAP is the Information Sharing Center, which will be located in Singapore. The center will facilitate communication and information exchanges between the member countries, as well as improve the quality of statistics and reports on piracy and armed robbery against ships in the region.